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I never served in the military. Thanks to the men and women who went before me, I never had to. Because of their service, I have been fortunate to live out my life in relative peacefulness.
I originally wrote this as a tribute to three of my older brothers who served in the military. I'd like to share it with you now, and dedicate it to all members of the Armed Forces who have made it possible for me to live in peace.

Quote:

Because you went…
I didn’t have to.

Because you were willing to serve your country
and risk your life…
I didn’t have to.

World War I, World War II, Korea,
Vietnam, Gulf War, Iraq…
whenever our nation was threatened,
you were willing to do what was necessary
to protect our freedom.
Your sacrifices made it possible for me
to live in peace and safety.
Because you went…
I didn’t have to.

Like so many others, I never had the opportunity
to serve my country.
Too young or too old, a full time student,
a single parent, a sole provider.
For whatever reason, I couldn’t sacrifice several years of my life.
But, because you went…
I didn’t have to.

Perhaps you knew the danger…
but you went anyhow.
Perhaps you didn’t know the danger…
and you went anyhow.
You went, and you served proudly.
And, because you went…
I didn’t have to.

Maybe you saw actual combat…
hiding in the trenches under live fire.
Maybe you served as support, miles from the front.
Maybe you never left your home state…training, waiting, ready.
Whatever position you served in, you went,
knowing that the risk was always there.
And, because you went…
I didn’t have to.

Most of you came home safely after your tour of duty,
to the loving arms of your friends and family.
Many of you came home wounded or injured…
scars that you will carry for the rest of your life.
Some of you never came home…
you made the ultimate sacrifice for your country.

Because you went…
I didn’t have to.

Because you were willing to risk your life, to protect the lives of others…
I didn’t have to.
Because you were willing, if necessary, to make the ultimate sacrifice…
I didn’t have to.

There are not enough words to express my thanks and gratitude to you.
I can only say…

Thanks to all the men and women in the armed forces who have served their country in the past and in the present.

We appreciate your sacrifice's and everything you stand for.

Thank You

_________________ x5 2 From my Valentine Sibide, Bamako-Cotonou W/Dr.S.W.
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Thanx for bringing Memorial Day to my attention. I had no idea that it falls exactly one month after Anzac Day, and serves likewise to commemorate those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

In quoting Lawrence Binyon, I've changed two words for relevance's sake. I'm aware, too, that the US has always sought to bring its soldiers home; unlike the Commonwealth, who for most of the modern era buried its slain in the land where they fell. But the memory of life given for one's country is universal.

Quote:

With proud thanksgiving, a mother for her children,
America mourns for her dead across the sea.
Flesh of her flesh they were, spirit of her spirit,
Fallen in the cause of the free.

Solemn the drums thrill; Death august and royal
Sings sorrow up into immortal spheres,
There is music in the midst of desolation
And a glory that shines upon our tears.

They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years contemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

They mingle not with their laughing comrades again;
They sit no more at familiar tables of home;
They have no lot in our labour of the day-time;
They sleep beyond America's foam.

But where our desires are and our hopes profound,
Felt as a well-spring that is hidden from sight,
To the innermost heart of their own land they are known
As the stars are known to the Night;

As the stars that shall be bright when we are dust,
Moving in marches upon the heavenly plain;
As the stars that are starry in the time of our darkness,
To the end, to the end, they remain.

Laurence Binyon: For The Fallen

_________________I will heed the advice of a polite horse for it is written that more flies are caught with honey than vinegar... although assault carbines and monstrous wolves are still fun.

To all the men and women who have served, their families who serve right along side them, and especially to those that have given the ultimate sacrifice, Thank You from the bottom of my heart! You have not been forgotten.

A gigantic THANK YOU to all those who have served in the armed forces in the past, those currently serving, and those who will serve in the future. You are remembered and we all owe you a debt of gratitude.

"I will never forgive you for all the pains, trouble, frustrations, strandedness and disappointments you have caused us." - David

Connie L. GusModerator

Joined: 07 Oct 2005
Posts: 6354
Location: Somewhere over the rainbow

Posted:
Mon May 25, 2009 3:42 pm

Thank you for the thread and the link Corona, I moved my flag from full staff to the half staff position.This is the first overcast morning here in a while. At noon I will move the flag back to the full staff position. I will also put in an order for a real flagpole today, not just something connected to the side of the house. Yep, this Memorial Day and your link pushed me over.

@ Crashhoot- Thank you very very much for your wonderful poem.
And a big thank you to all that are serving, served and given so much.

_________________ x8
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Diana PrinceMaster Baiter

Joined: 11 Nov 2008
Posts: 101
Location: in my invisible airplane

Posted:
Mon May 25, 2009 4:31 pm

A splendid thread, with beautiful sentiments.
I appreciate reading the comments and seeing the pictures from all who have posted so far.
I will join in the moment of silence at 3 pm today, remembering those who have served, are serving, and are willing -- or may be needed -- to serve in the future.

I have a friend, a poet named Farrell Collins, who was struck by how we in the USA on Memorial Day manage to combine respectful ceremonies (wreaths, prayers, flags, and speeches, at town halls and local cemeteries), informational visits to historical areas (such as National Park Service venues commemorating a variety of battle sites), and family celebrations (including barbecues and games and evening fireworks displays).

She wrote a couplet, saying simply:

Quote:

This is the way the world heals;
picnicking on battlefields.

_________________Mr Gomer-ette

the vampireBoring Baiter

Joined: 27 Jul 2008
Posts: 3601
Location: playmobil land

Posted:
Mon May 25, 2009 5:45 pm

And a big thank you from Europe. We must not forget the sacrifice the troops made in WWII to free us from tyrany and slavery. I have seen the war cemetary's in the south of Holland and the ardennes. It was very impressive to see the endless rowes of graves of the mostly young men that gave their lives for our freedom. It's a sight i will never forget.

Great poem Crash! Thanks to all who who have served and are currently serving. A special shout out to any alumni of the 187th Infantry Regiment (101 Airborne Division) who may lurk here, Ne Desit Virtus brothers.

_________________"Father Juan are sure that you are man of God,because your behaviors showed you as unbeliever" -Mary R

"Shallow men believe in luck. Strong men believe in cause and effect." -Emerson

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